I am exhibiting my work alongside Julia Christie, an artist based on Skye, for the next three weeks. We set up on 27 June and it runs until 17 July. Julia asked me to collaborate with her as she felt there were synergies in our work, practice and approach.

This is a huge opportunity for me as it is the first time I have had an exhibition on Skye (although I already have an exhibition running at Poppies Hotel in Callander and held another in Tetbury, Gloucestershire last year). In addition, it has been a very useful learning experience in terms of curating and setting up an exhibition in a gallery setting with significant public footfall.

Here are some images of the Gallery space and my installation:

I have learnt a lot about dealing with people in an exhibition setting as well as in terms of the practicalities of running this type of event.

Practical Learning and Action Points

1. Ensure an early visit to the gallery in order to gain a clear idea of how many and what size images will be appropriate
2. Check out the hanging system in the gallery – this one was very challenging in terms of securing and displaying framed prints!
3. Find out about Gallery terms and conditions such as commission rates, fees for the facilities etc
4. Produce cards including Title and Price to place next to each image
5. Get some cards of images printed and a rack to display them on
6. Get a larger rack to display mounted prints
7. Acquire a payment machine for credit cards
8. Acquire a lockable cash box
9. Take tablecloth and flowers to decorate the Gallery
10. Prepare for poor or no wi-fi
11. Find a local printer – in my case I have identified Strath Print in Broadford, Isle of Skye http://www.strathprint.co.uk/
12. Keep a gallery book of sales and footfall each day to ensure you have a record of this information, people who purchased work and which work has sold
13. Keep a note of local artists and photographers that visit the Exhibition
14. Keep a Guest Book for people to record their comments – this may serve as a boost when being creative gets tough!

General Points, Questions and Thoughts

1.  I enjoyed meeting people and talking about my work
2. I need to consider whether my images should be produced at a larger size (60 x 60cm)
3. How do I turn hugely positive comments into sales?

Feedback So Far . . .

“Beautiful, evocative photography – captures the essence completely.  Thank you!”  (JJ)

“Superb photography of unique scenery.”  (JM)

“So atmospheric.  Such colour. Thanks!” (GS)

“Stunning photographs.”  (CB)

“Lovely effects – not like photos.” (AM)

“Beautiful photographs.  Enjoyed.” (AL)